Love is in the air in February, and there’s more than just Valentine’s Day to look forward to this month. There’s a wealth of celebrations, from the humble chip to the luxurious scallop. And forget Pancake Day at your peril.
1 February
The Scottish Restaurant Awards
Edinburgh
The third annual Scottish Restaurant Awards takes place at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh to showcase the best in Scottish dining. It is not just fancy food being recognised;There are categories covering ‘Best Rural Restaurant’, ‘Best Pub Grub’, and a diversity of cuisines (Italian, Chinese, Indian) are celebrated. Website.
1-28 February
Chutney Mary’s Goan Showcase
London
Chelsea restaurant Chutney Mary’s, which is almost 20 years old, celebrates the best in Goan cookery for the whole month of February. Its former Portuguese rulers heavily influenced the food of Goa, and introduced red chillies, tomatoes and vinegar into their cookery. On the specials menu you can expect to find Goa Prawn Curry, Lamb Shank Shakuti and a cocktail named ‘Goa on the rocks’. Website.
7 February
British Yorkshire Pudding Day
Nationwide
As the winter is almost drawing to a close, make the most of your Sunday roasts by rustling up a batch of this British favourite. Easy to make, but always impressive, perfect with roast beef. Website. Yorkshire puddings recipes.
5-6 February
17th White Cliffs Festival of Winter Ales
Maison Dieu, Dover, Kent
Choose from a range of over 75 ales, mostly from small independent breweries, at this annual festival in Kent. Well-behaved children can accompany adults on the Saturday, and there is food available. Website.
7-14 February
Bramley Apple Week
Nationwide
One of Britain’s most famous (and versatile) fruits takes centre stage this week. Join in the celebrations by using the Bramley apple in anything from traditional desserts such as crumbles or pies, or serve in a savoury dish, cooked alongside a roast meat or added to a soup. For more info visit the website or take your pick from our apple recipes.
12 February until end 2010
The Ministry of Food, Imperial War Museum
London
This major new exhibition explores how the British public adapted to food shortages in the Second World War. Learn how ‘digging for victory’ became a necessity, visit a Forties grocer, watch Ministry of Food information films and trace the rise of Spam (of the edible – not email – kind). Website.
14 February
Valentine’s Day event
Watercress Line, Alresford, Hampshire
Celebrate in style with your loved one. Enjoy a romantic evening of being wined and dined on board a traditional steam train, where you can take in the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a special meal. And if you decide to stay in, treat your amour to one of these delicious. Valentine's Day menus.
14 February
Chinese New Year
Worldwide
To celebrate the new lunar year, the Chinese hold family feasts full of traditional rituals. Good fortune is the principal greeting, and often the food reflect this. In the UK, Manchester and London festivities will include dragon and lion dances, plus street stalls selling Chinese foods. The capital’s Chinatown will hold its big party a week later, on Sunday 21 February. Ching-He Huang's Chinese menu.
15-23 February
National Chip Week
Nationwide
The great British chip is championed this week, with the help of ambassador Keith Chegwin! Seek out your favourite local chippie, or follow the Love Chips website and vote for your favourite chippie or join in the celebrations for this treasured cuisine. Chips recipes.
16 February
Pancake Day
Nationwide
Shrove Tuesday is officially the last day to gorge before fasting for Lent, hence a feast of pancakes. Traditionally, pancakes are regarded as lucky because of the ingredients they contain. Learn how to make the perfect pancakes, or browse our sweet and savoury pancake recipes.
20-28 February
Rye Bay Scallop Week
Rye, East Sussex
This week in Rye is dedicated to the delicious bivalve. Restaurants and pubs in the area will all be serving up scallops in their own unique way. As well as tasting these specialities, there a numerous opportunities for learning more about the scallop via demonstrations and cookery courses. For more information, visit the website. Scallop recipes.
22 February-7 March
Fairtrade Fortnight
Nationwide
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight will be one of the most ambitious yet attempted, as the Foundation campaigns for ‘The Big Swap’, asking you to swap your regular items for Fairtrade versions. Help developing world producers to get a great deal from the UK. Visit the website for more details. Website.
26 February
True Taste Welsh Produce Market
Golden Square, London, W1
Get your mitts on some super-fresh produce from Wales at this one-day-only farmers' market in central London. Dozens of award-winning Welsh producers will be selling their wares, giving shoppers a chance to sample Welsh foodstuffs, from artesian cheeses to exquisite smoked meats.